Apprentice Business Support Officer
Central Bedfordshire Council
Dunstable (LU5 5PX)
Closes in 17 days (Friday 28 August 2026)
Posted on 7 August 2026
Contents
Summary
Central Bedfordshire Council is recruiting an Apprentice Business Support Officer to join the Bedfordshire Employment & Skills Academy (BESA). As part of the role, you will study towards a Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship.
- Wage
-
£25,185 a year
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Friday 4 September 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 6 months
- Positions available
-
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
- Enrolling learners
- Using management information systems (MIS)
- Organising meetings and events
- Processing financial transactions
- Using spreadsheets and databases
- Supporting subcontracted training providers
- Checking compliance with government funding rules
- Handling personal and confidential information
- Working to deadlines
- Engaging with learners, employers and stakeholders
- Supporting contract management and service improvement projects
Where you'll work
Kingsland Campus
Parkside Drive
Houghton Regis
Dunstable
LU5 5PX
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCIL
Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
- Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
- Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
- Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
- Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
- Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
- Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
- Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.
Training schedule
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
Other requirements
DBS check.
About this employer
The Bedfordshire Employment & Skills Academy (BESA) develops and delivers services that help adults, young people and businesses improve skills, access employment or further training, and support local economic growth. We deliver a wide range of qualifications, apprenticeships, Functional Skills and employment programmes, including Skills Bootcamps.
Company benefits
A comprehensive employee benefits package, including 25 days' annual leave, retailer discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme, excellent in-house training, and the opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
On completion of your apprenticeship, you will gain a nationally recognised qualification, valuable workplace experience, and ongoing support to apply for suitable vacancies across the council. Our apprenticeship programme is designed to help you build the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for a successful career.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCIL
Craig McKenna
Craig.McKenna@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000047039.
Apply now
Closes in 17 days (Friday 28 August 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.